Now it's just a matter of figuring out who will develop into the go-to pass rusher the Tigers so desperately need to be successful in the SEC.

"We definitely need to get better at pass rush," coach Gus Malzahn said. "If you think back to this time last year, it was real similar and we got better each week. That's what we're working really hard to do."

Auburn's defensive line managed only two tackles for loss and two quarterback hurries during the 45-21 victory Saturday against Arkansas. Statistically, it's the worst combined performance by the Tigers' defensive line since a 35-21 loss to LSU in Week 4 last season.

The starting point could be Saturday (6 p.m., ESPN2) against San Jose State, which completed 22 of 25 passes in its season-opening victory against North Dakota. The Tigers have time to strengthen their defense against the non-conference opponent, which will soon lead into an open date and heavyweight bout on the road in two weeks at Kansas State.

Johnson is looking to his veterans for answers. Defensive ends Montravius Adams, Gabe Wright, Elijah Daniel and LaDarius Owens remain his candidates to step up on the edge. Linebacker Cassanova McKinzy is also a threat in the 3-3-5 package.

"That's probably our best group, and at times, we had them on the field, we didn't get the kind of pressure we wanted," Johnson said.

The Tigers' defensive line struggled to power through Arkansas' offensive front in the first half Saturday, so Johnson dialed up blitzes. Linebacker Kris Frost led the Tigers with three quarterback hurries, and Star Robenson Therezie was credited with a big hit on quarterback Brandon Allen that resulted in safety Jermaine Whitehead's interception return for a touchdown.

Arkansas presented problems for the Tigers' defensive line, especially in the first half as their tight ends chipped would-be tacklers. The Tigers implemented some twists to fight the blockers.

"So, it was a lot of self-inflicted stuff," Johnson said. "But I think we've got the right guys working in the pass rush. We've just got to get better."

Williams is not yet looking to freshmen Andrew Williams and Raashed Kennion, even though coaches were impressed with the newcomers during preseason camp. DaVonte Lambert, the No. 1 defensive lineman out of junior college in February, is also working to get in the mix and is already in the two-deep depth chart behind Daniel on the left side.

Johnson's adjustments, along with better play by the defense, kept Arkansas' offense in check in the second half. The Hogs rushed for only two yards and compiled 61 yards total in the final 30 minutes.